Lemony Tarragon Vinaigrette
A bright, zesty vinaigrette that balances fresh lemon juice with the delicate, slightly sweet anise flavor of tarragon. Whisked together in minutes, this versatile dressing lifts simple greens, roasted vegetables, or grilled fish with its clean, vibrant character.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Mince the garlic and chop the tarragon.
1.Peel 1 small garlic clove and mince finely.2.Pluck tarragon leaves from stems and chop until you have 1 tablespoon. - mix · ~1 min
Dissolve salt and build the base.
1.In a small mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.2.Whisk until salt dissolves and mixture is smooth (30 seconds).TIPDissolving salt in the acid before adding oil prevents a grainy dressing. - mix · ~2 min
Emulsify with olive oil.
Drizzle the olive oil in a slow, steady stream while whisking constantly until the dressing thickens and turns creamy in color.
TIPKeep whisking — stopping early lets the oil and acid separate. - mix · ~1 min
Fold in the fresh tarragon.
Stir in the chopped tarragon. Taste and adjust with an extra pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon if needed.
- serve
Transfer to a jar and serve or store.
Pour the vinaigrette into a clean jar with a lid. Shake well before each use. Keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days.
TIPLet chilled dressing sit at room temperature for 5 minutes and shake well — olive oil firms up when cold.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use room-temperature lemon juice for easier emulsification.
- 2Let the vinaigrette rest for 5 minutes after whisking so the tarragon flavor infuses.
- 3If the dressing separates, whisk in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard to re-emulsify.
- 4Chop tarragon just before using to prevent it from bruising and losing aroma.
- 5For a milder garlic bite, let the minced garlic sit in the lemon juice for 2 minutes before whisking.
- 6Store in a glass jar and shake vigorously before each use — never microwave to re-emulsify.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb swap
Replace tarragon with 1 tablespoon of fresh chives or 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for a different herbal profile — great with Greek salads or roasted chicken.
low acidLow-acid
Substitute 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar for a mellower tang, ideal for delicate greens like butter lettuce.
creamyCreamy
Add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream after emulsifying for a lush, creamy vinaigrette perfect for drizzling over grains or roasted root vegetables.
veganVegan
Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar; the vinaigrette remains bright and emulsifies just as well.
garlic freeGarlic-free
Omit the garlic and add a pinch of garlic powder or 1 teaspoon of finely minced shallot for a gentler allium flavor without the raw bite.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Healthy Fats from Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from salads.
Vitamin C from Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is a natural source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immune function and aids in iron absorption.
Digestive Aid from Tarragon
Tarragon is traditionally used to stimulate appetite and ease digestion, adding both flavor and subtle wellness benefits.
Low in Added Sugar
With only half a teaspoon of honey per batch, this vinaigrette is very low in added sugar compared to most bottled dressings.
No Artificial Additives
Made entirely from whole ingredients, this vinaigrette is free from preservatives, artificial flavors, or thickeners.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but use only 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon, and let it steep in the lemon juice for 5 minutes before whisking to rehydrate and release flavor.







